As global trade and market access increasingly come under the influence of climate-related regulations, investor expectations, and financing demands, the Sri Lanka Climate Summit 2026 aims to bring business readiness to the forefront of national discussions. Scheduled for June 9 at the Grand Marquee, Taj Samudra Colombo, the event is organized by The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and will feature a distinguished lineup of policymakers, international agencies, corporate leaders, and technical experts who will explore the practical implications of climate preparedness for Sri Lanka’s economy.
Under the theme “From Risk to Opportunity: Mainstreaming Climate Action into Sri Lanka’s Growth Story,” the Summit will address the challenges and realities of climate preparedness for various sectors, including businesses, industries, and government entities. Topics of discussion will encompass investment readiness, disaster resilience, governance, industry transition, and climate finance.
The event will commence with a high-profile plenary session titled “Is Sri Lanka Climate Ready for Investment?” which will delve into the ways in which climate readiness is affecting investor confidence, trade accessibility, and the nation’s economic competitiveness. The keynote address will be delivered by Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi, the Minister of Environment, who will also participate in a panel discussion alongside prominent figures such as Shannon Cowlin, Country Director for Sri Lanka at the Asian Development Bank; Vimlendra Sharan, UN-FAO Country Representative for Sri Lanka and Maldives; and Dilhan Fernando, Chairman and CEO of Dilmah Tea. The panel will explore both the opportunities and challenges that shape the investment landscape related to climate in Sri Lanka, moderated by Shiran Fernando, Secretary General and CEO of the Ceylon Chamber.
Following that, the dialogue will shift to resilience with the session titled “Build Better – Before, During, and Beyond,” focused on disaster preparedness and managing climate-related disruptions. This session will include keynote remarks from Marco Toscano-Rivalta, Chief of the Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR). Rohan Cooray, a climate risk and adaptation specialist, will also contribute to the discussion, which will be moderated by Dr. Lalanath de Silva, Executive Director of Environmental Law Alliance Worldwide.
The second technical session, “Sector Pathways – Where Policy Meets Industry,” will analyze the convergence of regulation, industry readiness, digital transformation, and financing as Sri Lanka navigates new climate responsibilities. Keynote speakers will include Azusa Kubota, UNDP Resident Representative in Sri Lanka, and Dr. Lalanath de Silva, who will then join a panel featuring K.R. Uduwawala, Secretary to the Ministry of Environment; Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, Chief Advisor to the President on Digital Economy; and Sanath Manatunge, Managing Director/CEO of Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC. This session will be moderated by Saliya Wickramasuriya, Co-Chair of the Ceylon Chamber Energy Committee.
The private sector’s approach will be highlighted in the session “Climate in the Boardroom: From Compliance to Competitive Advantage,” which will investigate how businesses are adapting to climate disclosure requirements and sustainability expectations while identifying avenues for maintaining long-term competitive advantages. This segment will feature insights from Neha Khanna, Associate Director at Climate Policy Initiative, along with contributions from Sabrina Esufally, Managing Director of Hemas Consumer Brands, and Dr. Leonie Vaas, General Manager – Group Sustainability at Hirdaramani Apparel. The discussion will be moderated by Yasangi Muditha Randeni, Chief Sustainability Officer and AVP – Corporate Strategy & Sustainability at Aitken Spence PLC.
The technical program will wrap up with the session “Unlocking Climate Finance: From Global Funds to Local Projects,” which will assess how Sri Lanka can convert international climate financing into viable, investable local opportunities. Rajesh Miglani, Senior Climate Business Specialist and Climate Anchor for IFC South Asia, will provide the keynote address. Dr. Ananda Mallawatantri, Co-Chair of the Climate Action Committee of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, will lead the ensuing discussion alongside Punyamali Saparamadu, Senior Vice President – Commercial of the Colombo Stock Exchange, and Shayani Weerasinghe, Sustainable Business Specialist at Expertise France.
The Sri Lanka Climate Summit 2026 is anticipated to draw a diverse group of business leaders, policymakers, development agencies, sustainability experts, financiers, and technical specialists, all eager to gain insights into how climate readiness is transforming economic opportunities and business competitiveness in Sri Lanka.
